means

Universal Words noun (plural means) 1 [C] ~ (of doing sth / of sth) an action, an object or a system by which a result is achieved; a way of achieving or doing sth: Television is an effective means of communication. * Is there any means of contacting him? * Have you any means of identification? * We needed to get to London but we had no means of transport. 2 [pl.] the money that a person has: People should pay according to their means. * He doesn't have the means to support a wife and child. * Private school fees are beyond the means of most people (= more than they can afford). * Are the monthly repayments within your means (= can you afford them)? * Try to live within your means (= not spend more money than you have). * a man of means (= a rich man) IDIOMS by all means (spoken) used to say that you are very willing for sb to have sth or do sth: 'Do you mind if I have a look?' 'By all means.' by means of sth (formal) with the help of sth: The load was lifted by means of a crane. by no means